Although not the most valuable race on Gowran's seven-race card, the Inistioge Beginners Chase is bound to draw plenty of attention due to the return of Nicanor.
Noel Meade's charge confirmed himself a novice hurdler of the highest order when beating Denman at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival and his sole subsequent start resulted in victory at the Punchestown Festival the following month.
Though certain to improve for this first outing for more than 1000 days, he is undoutably a fascinating runner and connections will be hoping their patience is finally rewarded.
The meeting kicks off at 2.10 with an interesting renewal of the Red Mills Chase.
The Noel Meade-trained 2007 winner, Watson Lake, could take some beating if back to the form of his close-up second to Big Zeb at Leopardstown over Christmas, while Glenfinn Captain has shown much improved form this term and was unfortunate not to score at Thurles last month.
Mouse Morris's Grand National hope Hear The Echo should relish the ground, but may still be a little tapped for toe over this two-and-a-half-mile trip.
Meade will also harbour high hopes for Jazz Messenger in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle.
He was injured in the run-up to Cheltenham last season and hasn't been seen since, but he's probably the one to beat at this level on the pick of his form.
Clopf is not the most reliable performer but there was little wrong with last month's second to Aitmatov and a similar effort should put him in the picture.
Mustangsallyrally is up 8lb for a recent Fairyhouse success and bids to follow up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase, while there are several to consider in the Happy Valentines Day Handicap Hurdle.
Conem has already won four times this season and keeps improving with racing, while the hat-trick seeking Whinstone Boy battled admirably to land the spoils last time.
Top-weight Prudent Honour is another must for any short-list.
end
© www.irish-racing.com
